Garmin removes popular shortcut in new updates causing backlash

Garmin is removing the sleep mode shortcut for some smartwatches. This functionality has been removed in two recent stable software releases: version 15.16 for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches, and in version 20.19 for the Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Pro, Fenix E, Tactix 8 and Enduro 3 smartwatches (curr. $889.99 at Amazon).

This change to sleep mode was spotted earlier this year in beta testing, when users first began questioning the shortcut’s removal. Now, as these stable updates are rolling out, a greater number of affected users have been pushing back on the Garmin Forum and Reddit. 

Garmin has stated that the removal of the sleep mode shortcut is intentional, as sleep mode is now a type of focus mode, and these are all grouped together under the focus menu. A representative for the brand recommends that users add Focus Mode to the Light/Controls menu as an alternative to the shortcut.

However, users have expressed their frustration that this requires more clicks and more time spent looking at the watch’s display when they are trying to go to sleep. Others point out that this also impacts shift workers, or others who do not have regular sleeping hours, who are therefore not able to set up a sleep schedule to switch on the mode automatically.

One user suggests that you could use your smartwatch’s voice assistant to switch on the focus mode, though this will not suit everyone either. It remains to be seen whether or not Garmin will take on board this customer feedback and bring back this shortcut for its users.